Following the strong winds and torrential rains that accompanied Hurricane Melissa's passage near Haiti, which severely affected several departments of the country, Dr. Bertrand Sinal, Minister of Public Health, held a working session with several partners in the health sector to assess the post-hurricane situation.

This meeting aimed to establish an updated health assessment, identify priority needs, and define the necessary actions to address the situation while ensuring the continuity of essential services throughout the country.

The consolidated reports reveal the following :

• No major impact on health institutions in the departments of Artibonite, Centre, North, Northeast, Southeast, Nippes, and West.

• A few minor incidents at Saint-Antoine Hospital in Jérémie (Grand'Anse) and Immaculée Conception Hospital in Port-de-Paix (Northwest), as well as a flash flood in the courtyard of the South Departmental Hospital (HIC des Cayes).

Minister Sinal commended the mobilization of Ministry staff at both the central and departmental levels, as well as the health institutions and technical teams who remained on alert throughout the event. He also expressed his gratitude to the technical partners, particularly the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and UNICEF, for their constant and sustained support.

Minister Sinal urged all stakeholders (central and departmental directorates, and partners) to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and maintain a high level of vigilance regarding health risks and diseases, especially waterborne illnesses, that may emerge in the post-hurricane context.

IH/ iciHaiti